Going to the Sun Road Opening 2013

June 21st, 2013 by teresa

Going to the Sun Road

All guests please be aware of the following information released by the National Park Service:

All 50 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are anticipated to be open to vehicle travel by Friday afternoon, June 21, weather dependent. Weather forecasts call for rain showers, wind gusts up to 40 mph, and possible snow.

As of Thursday afternoon, snow was falling at the higher elevations and approximately one inch of slush was on the road. The temperature at Oberlin Bend, just west of Logan Pass, was 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Crews are working to remove mud and rock debris from the road and prepare for public access. Visitors are encouraged to drive with care.

The Logan Pass Visitor Center is expected to open Saturday, June 22, but hours of operation may be limited. Restroom facilities are available at Logan Pass and potable water will be available Friday. Visitors are reminded that conditions are still winter-like at Logan Pass and inclement weather is expected over the weekend. Exercise caution when walking on snow and be alert of possible collapsible snow and falling snow or rock debris.

Rehabilitation efforts continue on the Going-to-the-Sun Road this summer. Construction activity on the west-side of the park will occur between Logan Creek and Avalanche Creek through August. On the east-side, construction will occur between Rising Sun and Siyeh Bend beginning July 8 with activity occurring 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday morning. Sun Point will be closed to the public beginning June 30 due to construction. Visitors should expect 40-minute maximum construction delays for one-way travel across the entire road.

Bicycle restrictions are in effect on the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Labor Day. Bicycle travel between Apgar and Sprague Creek Campground and eastbound travel from Logan Creek to Logan Pass is not allowed on the road from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The visitor shuttle system traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road will operate July 1 through Labor Day. Transit centers are located near Apgar on the west-side of the park and the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east-side. For more information about the shuttle system please visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm. Additional information on park roads, weather conditions, and visitor services can be found on Glacier National Park’s website, http://www.nps.gov/glac/, or by calling park headquarters at 406-888-7800.